U.S. patent application number 13/723157 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for system, apparel, and method for identifying performance of workout routines.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Mark G. DePietro, Stewart M. Wiener.
Application Number | 20140163704 13/723157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50881806 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140163704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DePietro; Mark G. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
SYSTEM, APPAREL, AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING PERFORMANCE OF WORKOUT
ROUTINES
Abstract
A system for automatically identifying performance of workout
routines is provided. The system includes a set of sensors wearable
on a body of an exerciser during performance of exercises. Each
sensor is configured to measure a parameter selected from motion,
acceleration, position, and applied force, and to communicate
parameters measured. The system also includes a device configured
to receive a set of parameters measured over a period of time by
the set of sensors and to access stored pattern information
corresponding to a plurality of predetermined exercise activities
and a plurality of predetermined workout routines to identify one
or more performed exercise activities performed by the exerciser
and to identify a performed workout routine performed by the
exerciser during the period of time. Apparel and methods are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
DePietro; Mark G.;
(Harleysville, PA) ; Wiener; Stewart M.; (Oreland,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION |
Horsham |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL INSTRUMENT
CORPORATION
Horsham
PA
|
Family ID: |
50881806 |
Appl. No.: |
13/723157 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61735010 |
Dec 9, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0024 20130101;
A63B 2214/00 20200801; A63B 24/00 20130101; G01S 19/19 20130101;
G06F 19/00 20130101; H04L 67/125 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101;
A43B 3/0005 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/91 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A system for automatically identifying performance of workout
routines, comprising: a set of sensors each being wearable at one
or more specified locations on a body of an exerciser during
performance of a plurality of exercises, each of the sensors
configured to measure a parameter selected from a group consisting
of motion, acceleration, position relative to one or more others of
said set of sensors, and applied force, and each of the sensors
configured to communicate parameters measured; and a device
configured to receive a set of parameters measured over a period of
time by the set of sensors and configured to access stored pattern
information corresponding to a plurality of predetermined exercise
activities and a plurality of predetermined workout routines; the
device further configured, based on the stored pattern information
and the set of parameters measured over at least a portion of the
period of time, to identify one or more performed exercise
activities performed by the exerciser during the period of time;
and the device further configured, based on the stored pattern
information and the performed exercise activities, to identify a
performed workout routine performed by the exerciser during the
period of time.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
exercises comprises calisthenic and free-weight exercises.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
exercises is sequentially performed in one or more rounds, each
round comprising one or more exercises.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein each exercise of the
plurality of exercises comprises one or more repetitions of an
exercise pattern.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the device is further
configured to identify how many times one of the plurality of
predetermined workout routines was performed by the exerciser
within the period of time and whether a final repetition of the
exercise pattern terminated upon full completion or partial
completion.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is further
configured to identify the type of the performed workout routine as
being one of a time priority workout and a task priority
workout.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the device is further
configured to identify the workout routine as a time priority
workout when the period of time from start to finish of the
plurality of exercises is measured as substantially a whole number
of minutes and when a final repetition of one of the plurality of
predetermined workout routines performed terminates before full
completion.
8. A system according to claim 6, wherein the device is further
configured to identify the workout routine as a task priority
workout when the period of time from start to finish of the
plurality of exercises is measured as other than a whole number of
minutes and when a final repetition of one of the plurality of
predetermined workout routines performed terminates upon full
completion.
9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is further
configured to identify one or more rest intervals between
exercises.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the device is further
configured to identify the performed workout routine as being an
interval training workout when one or more rest intervals are
identified within the performed workout routine.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the device is further
configured to identify whether the one or more rest intervals are
of uniform duration and occur at uniformly repeating intervals
throughout the performed workout routine or are of varying
duration.
12. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured
to identify at least one of effort exerted and weight lifted for at
least one of the performed exercise activities identified.
13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured
to analyze at least one of sensed position, applied force, motion
and acceleration to automatically identify and distinguish among
different exercises performed during the performed workout routine
based on pattern recognition of the at least one of sensed
position, applied force, motion and acceleration.
14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the device is
configured to analyze said set of parameters to determine at which
sensor location force is being applied and motion is being detected
during an exercise.
15. A system according to claim 13, wherein the device is
configured to analyze said set of parameters to determine relative
positioning of said set of sensors during an exercise.
16. A system according to claim 13, wherein the device is
configured to identify at least one of effort exerted, weight
lifted, and number of repetitions completed for each exercise
identified within the performed workout routine.
17. A system according to claim 1, wherein said set of sensors
includes at least one sensor disposed on exercise apparel adapted
to be positioned on at least one buttock of the exerciser.
18. A system according to claim 1, further comprising exercise
apparel including handwear and footwear on which at least selected
ones of said set of sensors are disposed on for being worn on hands
and feet of the exerciser.
19. A system according to claim 18, wherein said exercise apparel
further includes apparel on which at least one sensor of said set
of sensors is disposed on for being worn on at least one of arms,
trunk, and neck of the exerciser.
20. A system according to claim 1, wherein said set of sensors are
disposed on exercise apparel selected from the group consisting of
handwear, footwear, clothing, shirts, sleeves, pants, gym shorts,
compression wear, gloves, sections of gloves, thumb straps, finger
straps, straps, headwear, neckwear, eyeglasses, earphones, earbuds,
headsets, hearing aids, earpieces, hats, caps, helmets, protective
pads, bands, armbands, wristbands, headbands, belts, prosthetics,
orthotic devices, shoes, socks, and adhesive pads.
21. A system according to claim 1, wherein said set of sensors
includes at least one sensor disposed on handwear adapted to be
worn on a hand of the exerciser, and wherein said at least one
sensor disposed on handwear includes at least one sensor for
measuring force applied and at least one sensor for monitoring
motion or position relative to others of said set of sensors.
22. A system according to claim 21, wherein said at least one
sensor disposed on handwear includes sensors adapted to be worn on
a thumb of the hand of the exerciser for measuring force applied
and for monitoring one of position and motion and sensors adapted
to be located on a palm or base of a finger of the hand of the
exerciser for measuring force applied and for monitoring one of
position and motion.
23. A system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
sensors includes at least one sensor disposed on footwear adapted
to be worn on a foot of the exerciser, said at least one sensor
disposed on footwear including a sensor adapted to be positioned in
an outward-facing position on a front of the footwear, to be
positioned upright on a lateral side of the footwear, or on a front
top of the footwear.
24. A system according to claim 23, wherein said at least one
sensor disposed on footwear includes sensors measuring force
applied and for monitoring one of position and motion relative to
others of said set of sensors.
25. A system according to claim 1, wherein said set of sensors
includes at least one sensor attached to exercise apparel adapted
to be worn on an arm or trunk of the body of the exerciser, said at
least one sensor includes a sensor for monitoring one of position
and motion relative to others of said set of sensors.
26. A system according to claim 1, wherein said set of sensors
includes at least one sensor disposed on exercise apparel adapted
to be worn on a neck of the body of the exerciser.
27. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is an
electronic personal hub wearable on the body of the exerciser
during performance of a plurality of exercises and configured to
receive wireless communications from at least one of said set of
sensors to receive said set of parameters.
28. A system according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic
personal hub wearable on the body of the exerciser during
performance of the plurality of exercises, being configured to
receive wireless communications from said set of sensors, and being
configured to upload said set of parameters to the device, wherein
the device is a remote device selected from a group consisting of a
smartphone, a computer, a server, and an electronic tablet.
29. A system according to claim 28, wherein the electronic personal
hub is a central sensor which is included within said set of
sensors.
30. A system according to claim 28, wherein said electronic
personal hub is configured to manage synchronization of
communications from said set of sensors.
31. Exercise apparel for use in automatically identifying
performance of workout routines, comprising an article of handwear
carrying a set of sensors each being wearable on a hand of an
exerciser during performance of a sequence of exercises comprising
a workout routine, each being configured to measure a parameter
selected from a group consisting of motion, acceleration, position,
and applied force, and each being configured to wirelessly
communicate parameters measured.
32. Exercise apparel according to claim 31, wherein at least one of
the set of sensors carried by the handwear is adapted to be
positioned on a thumb of the hand of the exerciser.
33. Exercise apparel according to claim 32, wherein the at least
one of the set of sensors carried by the handwear includes sensors
for measuring applied force and for monitoring position or
motion.
34. Exercise apparel according to claim 32, wherein at least other
ones of the set of sensors carried by the handwear are adapted to
be positioned on at least one of a palm and a base of a finger of
the hand of the exerciser.
35. Exercise apparel according to claim 34, wherein the at least
other ones of the set of sensors carried by the handwear include
sensors for measuring applied force and for monitoring position or
motion.
36. Exercise apparel according to claim 31, wherein the article of
handwear is selected from a group consisting of a glove, a section
of a glove, a thumb strap, and a finger strap.
37. Exercise apparel for use in automatically identifying
performance of workout routines, comprising an article of footwear
carrying a set of sensors each being wearable on a foot of an
exerciser during performance of a sequence of exercises comprising
a workout routine, each being configured to measure a parameter
selected from a group consisting of motion, acceleration, position,
and applied force, and each being configured to wirelessly
communicate parameters measured, at least one of said set of
sensors being carried on the footwear in an outward-facing position
selected from a group consisting of a front of the footwear and a
lateral inner side of the footwear.
38. Exercise apparel according to claim 37, wherein the article of
footwear is selected from a group consisting of a shoe, a sock, a
strap, and an adhesive pad.
39. A method for automatically identifying performance of workout
routines, comprising the steps of: measuring a set of parameters
with a set of sensors each being worn at locations on a body of an
exerciser during performance of a plurality of exercises, each of
the sensors configured to measure a parameter selected from a group
consisting of motion, acceleration, position relative to one or
more others of said set of sensors, and applied force, and each of
the sensors configured to communicate parameters measured;
communicating a set of parameters measured over a period of time by
the set of sensors during said measuring step to a device
configured to access stored pattern information corresponding to a
plurality of predetermined exercise activities and a plurality of
predetermined workout routines; and analyzing the set of parameters
with the device via pattern recognition to identify one or more
performed exercise activities performed by the exerciser during the
period of time and to identify a performed workout routine
performed by the exerciser during the period of time.
40. A method according to claim 39, further comprising the step of
automatically and electronically recording data corresponding to
each of the performed exercise activities and the performed workout
routine identified by the device during said analyzing step.
41. A method according to claim 39, wherein the performed exercise
routine comprises calisthenic and free-weight exercises which are
sequentially performed in one or more rounds, each round comprising
one or more exercises.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying how many rounds of the performed exercise
routine was performed by the exerciser within the period of time
and identifying that a final repetition of a round of the performed
exercise routine terminated upon full completion or partial
completion.
43. A method according to claim 39, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying a type of the performed workout routine as
being one of a time priority workout and a task priority
workout.
44. A method according to claim 43, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying the workout routine as a time priority workout
when the period of time from start to finish of the plurality of
exercises is measured as substantially a whole number of minutes
and when a final repetition of one of the plurality of
predetermined workout routines performed terminates before full
completion.
45. A method according to claim 43, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying the workout routine as a task priority workout
when the period of time from start to finish of the plurality of
exercises is measured as other than a whole number of minutes and
when a final repetition of one of the plurality of predetermined
workout routines performed terminates upon full completion.
46. A method according to claim 39, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying one or more rest intervals during the
performed workout routine.
47. A method according to claim 46, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying the performed workout routine as being an
interval training workout when one or more rest intervals are
identified.
48. A method according to claim 47, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying whether the rest intervals are of uniform
duration and occur at uniformly repeating intervals throughout the
performed workout routine or are of varying duration.
49. A method according to claim 39, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying at least one of force applied and weight
lifted for at least one of the performed exercise activities
identified.
50. A method according to claim 39, wherein said analyzing step
includes identifying at least one of sensed position, applied
force, motion and acceleration to automatically identify and
distinguish among different exercises performed during the
performed workout routine based on pattern recognition of the at
least one of sensed position, applied force, motion and
acceleration.
51. A method according to claim 39, wherein, during said analyzing
step, the device analyzes the set of parameters to determine at
which sensor location force is being applied and motion is being
detected during each exercise of the performed workout routine.
52. A method according to claim 39, wherein, during said analyzing
step, the device analyzes the set of parameters to determine
relative positioning of the set of sensors during each exercise of
the performed workout routine.
53. A method according to claim 39, wherein the device is a
personal hub wearable on the body of the exerciser and is
configured to receive wireless communications from at least one of
the set of sensors to receive the set of parameters.
54. A method according to claim 39, further comprising the steps of
receiving wireless communications from the set of sensors with a
personal hub worn on the exerciser during performance of the
plurality of exercises, and uploading the set of parameters from
the personal hub to the device, wherein the device is selected from
a group consisting of a smartphone, a computer, a server, and an
electronic tablet.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various electronic apparatus and devices are used for
automatically tracking and recording the movements of a human body
during a physical activity such as a sporting activity or other
health-related activity. The purpose of such apparatus and devices
can be to eliminate the need of the person performing the activity
or another person to manually track and record the accomplishment
of a particular physical activity, such as the completion of an
exercise.
[0002] By way of example, fitness centers may have weight lifting
machines and circuits of such machines where each machine is
designed for an exerciser to use in performing a pre-determined,
known, well-defined, single exercise. Each weight lifting machine
may have electronics permitting a user to automatically track and
record the user's use of the particular machine on a particular
date, the amount of weight lifted by the user during the exercise,
the number of sets of the exercise performed on the machine by the
user, and the number of repetitions within each set performed by
the user. Such electronics may also be used to store proper
settings for the user relative to the machine, for instance, proper
seat height and the like. The electronics may further provide
feedback during performance of the exercise, such as, providing an
indication when the user's motions are considered too rapid for the
exercise or when the user has reached a set goal.
[0003] Another example of physical activity tracking and recording
devices are those that are worn directly on the body of the
exerciser. Such devices may include sensors, heart-rate monitors,
GPS units or watches, and like electronics and may be used alone or
in connection with other apparatus (i.e., treadmills, etc.) to
automatically track and record parameters such as distance
traversed, elapsed time, pace, amount of calories burned, heart
rate, and the like of the user relative to a known exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various features of the embodiments described in the
following detailed description can be more fully appreciated when
considered with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the
same numbers refer to the same elements.
[0005] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an exerciser wearing an
arrangement of sensors and a personal hub device in accordance with
an embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the footwear having an
arrangement of sensors in accordance with an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of communication between
wearable sensors worn on an exerciser to a remote server in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of communication between
wearable sensors worn on competing exercisers to a remote server in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of communication between
wearable sensors worn on competing exercisers to a local hub and
remote server in accordance with an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of process steps for a method of
automatically identifying the performance of a workout routine by
an exerciser in accordance with an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of process steps for analyzing a
set of parameters used to distinguish between time priority and
task priority workout routines in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of process steps for analyzing a
set of parameters to identify an interval training workout routine
in accordance with an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of process steps for analyzing a
set of parameters in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of
the embodiments are described by referring mainly to examples
thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
embodiments. It will be apparent however, to one of ordinary skill
in the art, that the embodiments may be practiced without
limitation to these specific details. In some instances, well known
methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not
to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.
[0015] Embodiments are disclosed herein with respect to systems,
devices, apparel, and methods for use in automatically identifying
particular exercise activities and workout routines from various
different exercise activities and workout routines and for
recording performance related data with respect to the performance
of a particular set or sequence of physical activities or with
respect to the performance of a particular workout routine. With
these embodiments, manual recording of such data is eliminated and
an exerciser is free to perform any number of entirely different
exercisers or exercise routines or workouts without having to
manually record or identify the exercises, the workouts or
routines, or the results of such exercises, or utilize different
devices for each different exercise performed.
[0016] In this disclosure, the term "calisthenics" is used to refer
to rhythmic body exercises in which the exerciser's own body weight
is used as the resistance for the exercise. Examples of
calisthenics may include push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, rope
climbing, and the like. The term "free-weight exercise" refers to
an exercise in which a dumb bell or other form of weighted object
that is not connected to, controlled by, or balanced by other
apparatus or machinery is freely lifted, controlled and balanced by
the exerciser and provides the resistance for the exercise.
Further, the terms "exercise routine", "exercise workouts", and
"workout routines" as used herein refer to a predetermined sequence
of a set of exercises with or without intervals of rest
therebetween. While the embodiments disclosed herein may relate to
automatically and electronically identifying and tracking the
performance of different calisthenics, free-weight exercises, and
workout routines, it should be understood that any physical
activities could also be automatically tracked and recorded via use
of the systems, devices, apparel, and methods disclosed herein.
[0017] In one embodiment, a system for automatically identifying
performance of workout routines is provided. The system includes a
set of sensors each being wearable at one or more specified
locations on a body of an exerciser during performance of a
plurality of exercises. Each of the sensors is configured to
measure a parameter selected from a group consisting of motion,
acceleration, position relative to one or more others of the set of
sensors, and applied force, and each of the sensors is configured
to communicate parameters measured. The system also includes a
device configured to receive a set of parameters measured over a
period of time by the set of sensors and to access stored pattern
information corresponding to a plurality of predetermined exercise
activities and a plurality of predetermined workout routines to
identify one or more performed exercise activities performed by the
exerciser during the period of time based on the stored pattern
information and the set of parameters measured over at least a
portion of the period of time. The device is further configured to
identify a performed workout routine performed by the exerciser
during the period of time based on the stored pattern information
and the performed exercise activities.
[0018] In other embodiments disclosed herein, exercise apparel for
use in automatically identifying workout routines is provided. The
apparel can include an article of handwear carrying a set of
sensors each being wearable on a hand of an exerciser during
performance of exercises, configured to measure a parameter
selected from motion, acceleration, position, and applied force,
and configured to wirelessly communicate parameters measured. The
apparel can also include an article of footwear carrying a set of
sensors each being wearable on a foot of an exerciser during
performance of exercises, configured to measure a parameter
selected from motion, acceleration, position, and applied force,
and configured to wirelessly communicate parameters measured. At
least one of the set of sensors being carried on the footwear may
be located in a position selected from a front tip of the footwear,
a side of the footwear, and a top front of the footwear.
[0019] In a still further embodiment, a method for automatically
identifying performance of workout routines is provided. The method
includes the step of measuring a set of parameters with a set of
sensors each being worn at one or more specified locations on a
body of an exerciser during performance of a plurality of
exercises. Each of the sensors is configured to measure a parameter
selected from a group consisting of motion, acceleration, position
relative to one or more others of said set of sensors, and applied
force, and each of the sensors is configured to communicate
parameters measured. The method further includes a step of
communicating a set of parameters measured over a period of time by
the set of sensors to a device configured to access stored pattern
information corresponding to a plurality of predetermined exercise
activities and a plurality of predetermined workout routines. The
method also includes a step of analyzing the set of parameters with
the device via pattern recognition to identify one or more
performed exercise activities performed by the exerciser during the
period of time and to identify a performed workout routine
performed by the exerciser during the period of time.
[0020] The above embodiments utilize wearable sensors located at
one or more specified locations on the body of the exerciser for
purposes of identifying specific exercises and/or specific workouts
or routines based on motion, acceleration, force applied, and/or
relative positioning of the sensors. Each exercise or other
physical activity is automatically identified based on readings or
measurements taken by the wearable sensors and based on the
particular location of the sensors on the body of the exerciser.
This captured data enables the embodiments to provide analysis,
recording, reporting, coaching, competitive features, and like
information to the exerciser and/or other interested entity.
Further, the data also enables authentication of performance of
particular exercise routines or workouts that may comprise the
performance of multiple different exercises performed in
sequence.
[0021] Different individual exercises such as calisthenics or
free-weight exercises as well as rest periods between exercises may
be identified from readings taken by force, motion, acceleration or
position sensors worn on the hands, palms, thumbs, fingers, feet,
arms, elbows, neck, back, buttocks, and/or trunk of the exerciser.
Numerous different exercises and a pattern of such exercises and
any rest period between exercises can be identified from the
readings captured by the various sensors on the body of the
exerciser via use of pattern recognition techniques. Thus, the
exercise and pattern or sequence of exercises being performed is
automatically and electronically identified based on sensor
readings captured relative to position, force, acceleration and/or
motion of different body parts of the exerciser and based on a
comparison relative to known exercise and workout routine profiles
that may be stored in the form of database entries within an
electronic library of profiles.
[0022] By way of example of a specific exercise activity, a
particular activity that may be performed by the exerciser may be a
push-up. A known or expected profile for a push-up may include
sensor readings indicating: continuous weight on hands and front of
toes; no weight on soles of feet; elbows remain mostly fixed; trunk
moves up and down; and feet remain relatively stationary. Thus, if
data captured by sensors worn on the hands, feet, elbows and trunk
of the exerciser correspond to the above referenced expected
profile of a push-up, the data can be electronically analyzed,
compared and matched to the profile of a push-up, and automatically
recorded as a push-up. In addition, the number of times the sensors
indicate that the trunk moves up and down during the identified
push-up can be used to automatically determine and record the
number of push-ups performed by the exerciser. Of course, elapsed
time, pace, force required to perform a push-up, calories burned,
heart rate, and like information can also be obtained from the
sensor data, as desired.
[0023] As another example, the activity being performed by the
exerciser may be an exercise known as a squat. A known or expected
profile for a squat exercise may include sensor readings
indicating: trunk moves up and down; weight increases on bottom of
feet; and upper arm above elbow joint remains relatively fixed in
position with respect to trunk and moves up and down with trunk.
Thus, if data captured by sensors worn on the feet, trunk and arms
of the exerciser correspond to the above referenced expected
profile of a squat exercise, the data can be electronically
analyzed, compared and matched to the profile of a squat, and the
exercise can be automatically identified and recorded as a squat.
In addition, the number of times the sensors indicate that the
trunk moves up and down during the identified squat exercise can be
used to automatically determine and record the repetitions
performed by the exerciser. Of course, elapsed time, pace, force
required to perform a squat, calories burned, heart rate, and like
information can also be obtained from the sensor data, as
desired.
[0024] As a further example of an exercise activity, the activity
performed by the exerciser may be a press. A known or expected
profile for a press exercise may include sensor readings
indicating: trunk is fixed; weight on bottom of feet; elbows move
up and down; significant weight on palms; and weight on thumbs or
fingers. Thus, if data captured by sensors worn on the trunk, feet,
elbows and hands of the exerciser correspond to the above
referenced expected profile of a press exercise, the data can be
electronically analyzed, compared and matched to the profile of a
press, and the exercise can be automatically identified and
recorded as a press. In addition, the number of times the sensors
indicate that the elbows move up and down during the identified
press exercise can be used to automatically determine and record
the repetitions performed by the exerciser within a particular set.
Of course, elapsed time, pace, force required to perform a press,
calories burned, heart rate, and like information can also be
obtained from the sensor data, as desired.
[0025] As still a further example of an exercise activity, the
activity being performed by the exerciser may be a pull up. A known
or expected profile for a pull-up may include sensor readings
indicating: no weight on feet; significant weight on palm (and/or
bottom third of fingers); elbows move up and down; and trunk moves
up and down to a greater extent relative to elbows. Thus, if data
captured by sensors worn on the feet, hands, elbows and trunk of
the exerciser correspond to the above referenced expected profile
of a pull-up, the data can be electronically analyzed, compared and
matched to the profile of a pull-up, and the exercise can be
automatically identified and recorded as a pull-up. In addition,
the number of times the sensors indicate that the elbows and/or
trunk move up and down during the identified pull-up exercise can
be used to automatically determine and record the repetitions
performed by the exerciser within a particular set. Of course,
elapsed time, pace, force required to perform a pull-up, calories
burned, heart rate, and like information can also be obtained from
the sensor data, as desired.
[0026] While a few examples of calisthenics and/or free-weight
exercises have been described above, it naturally follows that
these examples are not limiting and that profiles can be identified
for any number of different calisthenics and/or free-weight
exercises so that any number of different physical activities and
exercises can be automatically identified and distinguished from
other physical activities and exercises. Thus, based on a
collection of readings taken by the multiple sensors worn by the
exerciser during the performance of a particular exercise and based
on a comparison of the collection of readings to numerous different
stored profiles of exercises that may be stored in a database,
memory, or the like, an exercise or other physical activity can be
automatically detected without any intervention of the exerciser or
other person before, during or after performance of the
exercise.
[0027] In addition to automatically detecting, identifying and
recording the performance of individual exercises, embodiments are
provided which automatically identify and record known workout
routines by stitching together in sequence individually identified
exercises with or without intervals of rest periods. Still further,
embodiments are provided which detect and distinguish among
different types of workout routines performed as part of a fitness
program. For example, a workout routine may be a type having a task
priority or a type having a time priority. The embodiments
distinguish among the above referenced exercise types by making
inferences based on detected activity, detected elapsed time, and
based on whether a previously detected pattern or round of
exercises is complete or incomplete in its final iteration.
[0028] For purposes of example of a workout routine, a workout
routine referred to as a "FRAN" may be known to include the
following sequence of exercises and repetitions: twenty-one (21)
thrusters, followed by twenty-one (21) pull-ups, followed by
fifteen (15) thrusters, followed by fifteen (15) pull-ups, followed
by nine (9) thrusters, followed by nine (9) pull-ups. A "thruster"
is an exercise performed with a free-weight that is a combination
of a squat and a press such that, as the exerciser returns the
trunk to the upper position following a squat, the exerciser
precisely times the performance of a press with the free weight.
The disclosure of a FRAN workout routine is merely for purposes of
example, and there are many different workout routines having
different combinations of exercises, sequence of exercises, and
repetitions for each exercise that may comprise a workout routine
and may be detected by the embodiments.
[0029] With respect to an exerciser's performance of the above
described FRAN workout routine used for purposes of example, the
collection of readings captured by the sensors during this workout
can be compared to profiles of individual exercises to identify the
performance of alternating sets of thrusters and pull-ups and the
repetitions performed by the exerciser within each set. The
automatic identification of the exercises in sequence and
repetitions performed for each exercise within a period of time can
be compared to known profiles of workout routines and thus permit a
workout routine, such as a FRAN, to be identified and distinguished
from other workout routines stored in a database.
[0030] Accordingly, not only do the embodiments identify and record
individually performed exercises and repetitions performed, the
embodiments disclosed herein can also be used to identify and
record the performance of exercise workout routines by the
exerciser. This enables an exerciser to compare his/her performance
today, for instance, of a FRAN exercise with any of his/her past
performances or with the performances of others based on elapsed
time for the total workout and for each exercise within the
sequence, pace of exercise for each exercise in the sequence,
amount of weight lifted, and the like.
[0031] By way of example, FIG. 6 provides an embodiment of a method
for automatically identifying performance of a workout routine. A
set of parameters is measured in step 100 with a set of sensors
worn by an exerciser while exercising, each of the sensors being
configured to measure a parameter such as motion, acceleration,
position relative to other sensors, and applied force. The set of
parameters measured over a period of time are communicated in step
102 via wireless communications to a personal hub worn by the
exerciser. The set of parameters may be uploaded in step 104 from
the personal hub to a device not worn by the exerciser, the device
being configured to access stored pattern information corresponding
to a plurality of predetermined exercise activities and a plurality
of predetermined workout routines. The set of parameters can be
analyzed in step 106 with the device via pattern recognition to
identify exercise activities performed by the exerciser during the
period of time and to identify a performed workout routine. Data
corresponding to each of the exercise activities and the workout
routine identified can be automatically recorded in step 108.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 9, during the analyzing step 106 discussed
above, the set of parameters may be analyzed in step 118 to
determine at which sensor location force is being applied and
motion is being detected during each exercise performed. In
addition, the set of parameters may also be analyzed to determine
relative positioning of the set of sensors during each exercise
performed in step 120 and to identify force applied and/or weight
lifted in step 122 for at least one exercise activity
identified.
[0033] As stated above, workout routines may be performed under
different priorities with respect to the performance of a task
within a shortest period of time possible or performance of a task
continually until the expiration of a predetermined period of time.
Thus, although the same workout routine may be performed by an
exerciser, recognition of what type of priority (task or time)
placed on the workout routine is also important information that is
automatically detected by the embodiments.
[0034] For purposes of example, a workout routine such as the above
referenced FRAN workout routine can be performed having a task
priority or a time priority within a fitness program. If the FRAN
workout is performed as a task priority workout, the exerciser will
typically complete the full pattern of exercises (i.e., task), as
discussed above, one full time (or a predetermined number of full
times) and will aim to accomplish this task in as short a period of
time as possible. Thus, all of the exercises within a sequence are
completed, and elapsed time needed to accomplish the full sequence
is of significance when comparing results versus previous attempts
to perform the task or the attempts of others.
[0035] In contrast, if the above referenced FRAN workout routine is
performed as a time priority workout, the goal is to perform as
many rounds as possible ("AMRAP")--that is, as many rounds of the
sequence of exercises of the workout routine as possible--within a
predetermined fixed period of time, e.g., 10 minutes, 20 minutes,
or the like. In such a workout, the exerciser will attempt to
complete the full sequence of exercises and will then immediately
start over and repeat the same pattern or sequence of exercises as
many times as possible before expiration of the fixed time period.
Thus, in a time priority workout, for example, an exerciser may
complete one full workout routine and have partially completed a
second sequence upon expiration of the fixed time period. At the
expiration of the time period, the exercise discontinues the
exercise and the workout routine is finished. Accordingly, in a
time priority workout, in many cases, the exerciser will not
complete the last repetition of the pattern or sequence of
exercises required for a full round of the workout routine due to
termination of the exercise at the expiration of the fixed time
deadline.
[0036] According to embodiments, captured data is automatically
analyzed to determine the workout routine as discussed above, the
elapsed time of the activity from start to finish, and whether or
not the activity finished upon completion of a full or partial
sequence of exercises. Thus, in FIG. 7, the number of rounds that
an exercise routine is performed by the exerciser within a period
of time is automatically identified from the set of parameters
captured by the sensors in step 110 and whether a final repetition
of the rounds of the exercise routine terminated upon full
completion or partial completion is automatically identified from
the set of parameters captured by the sensors in step 112.
[0037] In a time priority workout, the detected time of the workout
is likely to be a whole number of minutes, with some relatively
minor margin of error (e.g., 9 minutes and 59 seconds, 15 minutes
and 1 second, or the like). Thus, if elapsed time of the workout
falls near a whole number of minutes and the final iteration of the
workout includes only a partial accomplishment of the full sequence
of exercises, the analysis identifies the workout routine and that
it was performed as a time priority workout. See step 114 in FIG.
7. Data concerning how many times the full sequence of exercises of
the workout routine was accomplished within the fixed time and how
far into the final iteration of the sequence was achieved by the
exerciser is also detected and recorded. See steps 110 and 112 of
FIG. 7 discussed above. In contrast, if the detected workout time
is not near a whole minute, such as a time of 6 minutes and 18
seconds, and if the exercise was terminated at the completion of a
full sequence of exercises comprising the workout, the embodiments
identify the activity as a task priority workout. See step 116 in
FIG. 7.
[0038] Another example of a time priority workout is referred to as
interval training. In the time priority workout example discussed
above, the exerciser performs the sequence of exercises without
intentional periods of rest during the fixed time period. However,
in interval training, rest periods are provided within the workout
routine. For instance, a first example of interval training is a
workout directed to repeating an activity every minute on the
minute ("EMOM"), for a specified number of minutes. An exerciser
performs a prescribed pattern within a minute. If the pattern is
completed in less than a minute, the exerciser is able to rest for
the remainder of the minute, before starting the next repetition at
the beginning of the next minute.
[0039] A second example of interval training is referred to as
Tabata training. Tabata training is high-intensity intermittent
training involving a rotation of short bursts of maximum effort
followed by short periods of rest. For instance, a workout routine
based on Tabata training may be performed for a total of four (4)
minutes and may be divided into eight (8) intervals with each
interval including twenty (20) seconds of high-intensity exercise
followed by ten (10) seconds of rest. Tabata training plans are
typically highly individualized and, as merely one example, a
Tabata training plan might include: barbell squats during a first
interval; push-ups during a second interval; barbell squats during
a third interval; chin-ups during a fourth interval; push-ups
during a fifth interval; chin-ups during a sixth interval; and
sprinting in place during the seventh and eighth intervals.
[0040] Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein are able to
determine whether or not a recognized workout routine is an
interval training workout based on the recognition of rest periods
during the workout sequence. For instance, according to the method
steps shown in FIG. 8, one or more rest intervals during the
workout routine performed by the exerciser are identified in step
118 based on analysis of the captured sensor data, and if one or
more intervals are identified, the workout routine is identified as
an interval training type of workout in step 120. In addition, in
step 122, identification of whether the rest intervals are of
uniform duration and occur at uniformly repeating intervals
throughout the performed workout routine or are of varying duration
is determined. Thus, not only is the workout routine and the time
priority type of workout automatically recognized from the readings
captured from the sensors, the workout being performed as an
interval training workout is identified and whether the rest
periods are fixed time periods as in Tabata training or merely
result as remaining time within a repeating period of time.
[0041] For purposes of recognizing exercises, workout routines, and
types of workouts discussed above, the sensors worn by the
exerciser automatically communicate their readings to a central
sensor or other device by wireless communications, for instance,
via personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth) communications or other
wireless communication technique. In addition, sensors can be
provided on the exerciser for detecting an amount of weight lifted,
for instance, during a free weight exercise. A force sensor such as
a microstrain sensor may be used for this purpose. Motion and/or
position sensors may be provide by position, acceleration, or
gyroscopic sensors. Other types of sensors can also be utilized,
for instance, medical sensors used to measure muscle using
electrode, EMG, or the like, heart-rate sensors, Global Positioning
Sensors (GPS), a barometric sensor or other sensor useful for
determining change in terrain.
[0042] The sensors are worn on one or more specified locations on
the body of the exerciser. For this purpose, the sensors may be
built into, attached to, disposed on, or placed within apparel. For
instance, the sensors may be permanently or removably fastened to
apparel, may be woven or otherwise incorporated or built into
apparel, and may be placed within a compartment or pocket of
apparel. Such a pocket or compartment may be for general purpose or
may be specially adapted to receive the sensor, and may or may not
be open or closed. Examples of apparel may include handwear,
footwear, clothing, headwear, neckwear, shoes, socks, compression
wear, gym shorts, gloves, sections of gloves, thumb straps, finger
straps, shirts, sleeves, straps, eyeglasses, earphones, earbuds,
headsets, hearing aids, earpieces for one ear or both, hats, caps,
helmets, pads (such as football pads), bands including armbands,
wristbands, headbands, etc., belts, and the like. In some
embodiments, apparel can include prosthetic and orthotic devices.
As another alternative, in some embodiments, sensors can also be
applied to the exerciser, or to the exerciser's other articles of
apparel, via the use of adhesive patches, hook and loop fasteners,
or the like.
[0043] FIG. 1 provides an example of an arrangement of a plurality
of sensors that may be worn on the body 10 of an exerciser for the
purposes described above. In FIG. 1, a force sensor 12 and a
position sensor 14 may be worn on the thumb 16 of each hand 18 of
the exerciser and a force sensor 20 and a position sensor 22 may be
worn on the palm of each hand 18 of the exerciser. In addition, a
force sensor 24 and a position sensor 26 may be worn on each arm of
the exerciser adjacent each elbow 28. Further, a force sensor 30
and a position sensor 32 may be worn on the bottom of each foot 34
of the exerciser, and a force sensor 36 and position sensor 38 may
be arranged in an upstanding and/or outward-facing position in
front of the front or toes of each foot 34. A force sensor 40 may
be worn adjacent the neck 42 of the exerciser, and a position
sensor 44 may be worn on the trunk 46 or midsection of the
exerciser. A personal hub device 48, discussed in greater detail
below, may be worn on the trunk 46 or head 50 of the exerciser.
[0044] It should be understood that the above combination and
arrangement of sensors on the body 10 of the exerciser is not
limiting and can include any combination of sensors necessary to
distinguish between different physical activities as desired. In
some locations, only position sensors or only force sensors may be
needed. Also, additional sensors and sensor locations can be
utilized such as on one or more fingers, e.g., at the bottom third
of the index finger or middle finger, of the hand of the exerciser,
on the wrists, forearms, upper arms, shoulders, back or knees of
the exerciser, and on the lateral sides and/or on the top of the
feet of the exerciser. As other alternatives, sensors could be
located on the front of the big toe facing in an anterior or
outward direction (e.g., for detecting a kick or a push-up
position). In further embodiments, sensors could be located at the
bottom of the big toe, multiple sensors (e.g., in a line or array)
could be positioned from one or more toes to the heel, or multiple
sensors (e.g., in a line or array) could be positioned from the pad
or tip of one or more fingers (or thumb) to the palm or to the
wrist. As a further example, at least one sensor may be disposed on
exercise apparel adapted to be positioned on at least one buttock
of the exerciser. Such a sensor is able to provide readings useful
for identifying exercises such as rowing, cycling, and sit-ups, and
in detecting rest intervals during interval training, or a failure
to complete a round of exercises due to exhaustion.
[0045] With respect to a specific example, FIG. 2 illustrates
sensor positions on a foot 52 of an exerciser including position
and/or force sensors 54 on the bottom of the foot 52, position
and/or force sensors 56 in front of foot 52 disposed transversely
or perpendicularly relative to the sensors 54 and facing in a
forward or outward direction of the foot, a sensor 56 on the inner
side 58 of the foot 52 of the exerciser such that it faces on
opposed sensor on the opposite foot, and a sensor 60 on the front
top 62 of the foot 52. With this arrangement of sensors,
particularly sensors 56 and 60, on each foot of the exerciser,
sensor data can be captured for use in identifying the exercise of
rope climbing. In such an exercise, the exerciser can apply
pressure by squeezing the rope between the inner side 58 of each
foot and can apply pressure on the front top 62 of one foot with
the bottom of the other foot. The presence/absence of these
pressures relative to the above described sensors can be used to
automatically detect rope climbing and/or to automatically
distinguish rope-climbing from other physical activities.
[0046] In some embodiments, each sensor communicates its readings
via wireless communications to a hub device, such as either hub
device 48 shown in FIG. 1. Each sensor may send transmissions
directly to the hub device or, alternatively, the sensors could
communicate directly with a central sensor which communicates with
the hub device or, as a further alternative, the sensors could
communicate with each other (e.g., via a mesh communication
technique). If a central sensor is utilized, it could be used to
relay the captured sensor data to the hub device directly or to a
mobile device that ultimately communicates with the hub device. As
one example, the mobile device could be a smartphone on which an
app (software application) is being run to receive and transfer
sensor data.
[0047] An example of communication flow in a configuration
hereinafter referred to as a personal configuration could be as
shown in FIG. 3. In this example, the various sensors 64 worn on
the body of exerciser communicate readings to a central sensor 66
also worn on the body of the exerciser. The central sensor 66
relays all sensor data to a personal hub device 68 which then
transfers all or some of the information to a server 70 connected
to a cloud network 72 or the like. The personal hub device 68 may
also receive information from the server 70 via a two-way
communication link.
[0048] The pattern recognition analysis of the sensor data to
identify an exercise, workout routine, and type (i.e., task
priority, time priority, interval training, Tabata training, etc.)
and the recording of performance data (i.e., time, applied force,
etc.) may be performed by software stored on the server 70 or by
software loaded on the personal hub 68 or both. One of these
devices, 68 and 70, may be used to perform the analysis while the
other is used to record historical data and/or make it available
for review by the exerciser.
[0049] As an alternative to the personal configuration, FIG. 4
provides an example of communication flow that might be used in a
so-called competitive configuration with direct communication
between personal hubs of different exercisers, such as Person 1 and
Person 2 (see FIG. 4). Here, the various sensors 74 worn on the
body of an exerciser (Person 1 or Person 2) communicate readings to
a central sensor 76 also worn on the body of the exerciser (Person
1 or Person 2). The central sensor 76 than relays all the captured
data to a personal hub device, 78 for Person 1 and 80 for Person 2,
which then transfers all the information to a server 82 on a cloud
network 84 or the like. However, the personal hub 78 of Person 1
may also communicate with the personal hub 80 of Person 2 thereby
permitting the possibility of competition between the exercisers.
For example, an exerciser that performs a FRAN workout discussed
above in a shortest period of time or with a greatest amount of
weight or a combination of both may be indicated via such
communications so that the results are shared between
competitors.
[0050] A still further alternative is shown in FIG. 5 which
provides an example of communication flow in a competitive
configuration coordinated by a local hub 86 (e.g., at a facility
such as a gym, track, etc., or in a home network having a local
hub). Here, the various sensors 88 worn on the body of an exerciser
communicate readings to a central sensor 90 also worn on the body
of the exerciser. The central sensor 88 than relays all the
captured data to a personal hub device 92 which then transfers all
the information to the local hub 86 which in turn transfers
information to a server 94 on a cloud network 96 or the like. In
this embodiment, the results of Person 1 and Person 2 may be shared
via communications with the local hub 86.
[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the central sensor may
be a wearable device such as worn on the trunk, belt, wrist, or arm
of the exerciser in a position for receiving communications from
the other sensors and in a position for transmitting captured
sensor data to the personal hub device. The central sensor itself
may include one or more specialized sensors that may not need to be
duplicated among the other sensors (e.g., GPS, gyroscopic sensor,
barometer, etc.). As an alternative, the central sensor and
personal hub may be combined and included in a single wearable
device. As another alternative, if each sensor worn by an exerciser
is able to communicate directly with the personal hub, then the
central sensor can be eliminated and is therefore optional.
[0052] Examples of personal hub devices include mobile devices
running apps (software applications), smartphones, tablet
computers, personal computers, or the like which are capable of
connecting to a network or the like for the purpose of
transferring, receiving, analyzing and/or storing data. The
personal hub may or may not be worn on the exerciser. For instance,
a personal hub provided by a smartphone may be secured in a pocket
or the like of clothing worn by the exerciser or may just need to
be within the vicinity and not necessarily worn. Alternatively, the
central sensor may communicate with the personal hub at a later
time after the performance of exercises or workout routines, such
as when the exerciser returns home.
[0053] In a competitive environment, the set of sensors worn by
each exerciser may be paired with their respective central sensor
and/or personal hub device for association with one exerciser for
purposes of distinguishing multiple exercisers from one another
(e.g., when multiple exercisers' sensors are within range of a
central sensor or personal hub).
[0054] The personal hub can be used to receive, store, and/or
process data from sensors to capture performance data. Either the
central sensor or the personal hub may include features to manage
synchronization of communications among the multiple sensors. In
one contemplated embodiment, the hub device may transmit the raw
and/or processed data, in real-time or later, to a local hub and/or
to the cloud (e.g., to one or more remote servers). As stated
above, an example of a local hub may be a personal computer at a
facility such as a gym, track, or other shared exercise venue, or
in a home network.
[0055] The remote servers on the cloud or other network can be
provided for purposes of dealing with functions such as
authentication, user permissions, and privacy. The remote servers
can also provide applications for recordkeeping, training,
coaching, virtual competition, and the like. The analysis required
for exercise identification can be performed in the personal or
local hub. Alternatively, this function can be performed by the
remote servers. Likewise, recordkeeping, reporting, and coaching
functions can be performed at the personal and/or local hub or at
the remote servers. In some contemplated embodiments, basic or
limited functionality can be provided by the personal and/or local
hub; while, more advanced functions may be provided by the remote
server or servers.
[0056] Reports can be provided, e.g., for coaching, training,
self-assessment, and the like. Reports may, for example, include
text, graphs, tables, and the like and may provide automated
performance tracking over time (e.g., a workout journal). In
further embodiments, reporting and coaching may be provided in
audio form to the exerciser during or after performance of an
exercise or workout routine. For example, historical analysis can
be provided such as "Last time, you did 1:52." In addition,
real-time coaching can be provided (with or without an acceptable
period of delay) such as "Faster! You are 3 seconds behind your
last workout."
[0057] Individual users may be authenticated to the remote servers,
and each sensor worn by the individual may include a unique
identifier, such as a factory-preset numerical identifier. A
personal or local hub can send an "authenticated" performance
(e.g., an authenticated record of its readings for a period of
time) to a collection point, such as on a remote server. In some
implementations, GPS can be part of performance authentication. For
example, GPS locations over time on a road or path, or GPS location
at a gym, track, or other exercise facility, can be part of
authenticating performance. Still further, a local hub may be
registered as a trusted location, so a third party can have greater
trust that the workout was performed as claimed. For example, a gym
or other exercise facility may register its local hub, providing
assurance that the data transmitted through the local hub actually
represents exercises performed at the facility. Authenticated
performance records can be provided, with the user's permission, to
third parties such as the user's coach, fitness provider (e.g.,
gym), medical provider, or a facilitator of a competition.
[0058] An example of the use of authentication for a facilitated
competition is one that requires, prior to participation, proof of
ability to perform at a pre-determined level. Currently this may be
provided by sending a video of one's performance; however,
according to embodiments disclosed herein, an authenticated
performance record generated as discussed above can be transmitted
to establish proof of ability.
[0059] In a competitive environment, such as a race, tournament, or
other type of competition, information about a competitor's
real-time performance can be provided to other competitors. For
example, multiple competitors may be using a shared local hub, or
may only be using individual personal hubs. As part of a
competition, the local hub or the remote servers can send each
competitor's performance data to other competitors. In some
embodiments, performance data may be synchronized with video, or
may be used to generate a visual avatar of a competitor.
"Real-time" performance data may lag video or actual real-time, but
could synchronize periodically (e.g., at end of a round, set of
repetitions, lap, milepost, or other interval), e.g., to say or
indicate, "You are 3 seconds behind Joe after one round."
[0060] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have
been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope as set forth in the claims below.
Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
* * * * *